First 5 LA’s Policy Agenda serves as a cornerstone document guiding the organization’s policy and advocacy
efforts by outlining federal, state and local priorities. As such, the Policy Agenda adopts a multi-year framework
for 2025-2029, integrating the goals and objectives of First 5 LA’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which seeks to
advance change such that children prenatal to age 5 and their families have their basic needs met, nurturing
environments, and a foundation for lifelong success. Rooted in the organization’s values of impact, equity,
partnership, and integrity, the 2025-2029 Policy Agenda directs strategic decisions, policy priorities and advocacy
efforts to drive meaningful change and impact needed to ensure every child can thrive.


To actualize the goals and objectives set out in the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan and the priorities of the 2025-2029
Policy Agenda, First 5 LA uses a targeted universalism approach. Targeted universalism is a systemic approach
that identifies universal goals while using targeted strategies to achieve them. The Policy Agenda is anchored in
the three universal goals identified in the strategic plan, which we believe are necessary for every child to reach
their full developmental potential during the critical years of prenatal to age 5. Alongside partners, communities,
and families, we have worked to identify targeted tactics to elevate equity and address the needs of those most
affected by disparities.

Grounded in this shared understanding, First 5 LA seeks to advance the following goals and policy priorities:

Children prenatal to age 5
and their families have their
basic needs met.

  • Support policies to address
    the access, sustainability and
    accountability of perinatal care
    systems to reduce maternal
    and infant mortality and ensure
    healthy and joyous births.
  • Strengthen safety net policies
    that provide long-term support
    to reduce poverty and promote
    economic stability.
  • Promote comprehensive
    housing policies and systems to ensure access to stable homes.

.

Children prenatal to age 5
have nurturing relationships
and environments.

  • Ensure policy efforts increase
    mental health screening,
    treatment and accountability
    to address challenges faced by
    birthing and postpartum people.
  • Promote policies and practices
    that increase access to healthy
    food options and food security.
  • Elevate policies aimed at
    enhancing and funding access
    to safe parks and open spaces.

 

Children prenatal to age 5
have a solid foundation for
well-being, lifelong learning
and success. 

  • Advance policies, practices and
    public investment to strengthen the mixed-delivery system and increase family choice.

  • Amplify policies that ensure health systems are robust and
    coordinated and accountable
    for delivering early intervention services.

  • Advocate for policies that support culturally affirming care, services and supports that meet diverse needs.

    .

Policy Agenda

Advocacy Agenda
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